Marathon hikers doing Grouse Grind challenge raise $22,000 for B.C. charity

If you think the Grouse Grind is a challenge, try doing it multiple times in one day.

Roughly 50 hikers hit the North Shore trail at 4 a.m. Tuesday to conquer the mountain’s natural StairMaster in the fourth annual Multi-Grouse Grind Challenge.

The challenge tests a hiker on the number of times they can tackle the North Vancouver trail in a single day, which happens to be the longest day of the year. Last year, Ian Robertson made 16 trips up the steep 2.9-kilometer long Grind. He broke the 2014 record of 15 set by 69-year-old Idar Karlsen.

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This year Robertson, who only stops to wait for his ride down the mountain on a tram and fuels up on Pringles chips and Coke, was aiming for 17 grinds. He completed his task over the 19-hour period.

There are some unique athletes who choose to tackle events like ultra-marathons, the Alaskan Iditarod Trail Dog Sled race or the Barkley Marathons, which would make you question their sanity.

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But for the Grouse Grind challengers, it’s all going to a good cause. The marathon grinders are raising money for BC Children’s Hospital. Last year’s event, raised over $21,000 toward the Grind For Kids campaign in support of the hospital.

“Some friends and I call it type two fun. It’s just a different type of pushing yourself,” Robertson said.

All the challengers definitely pushed their limit for a good cause.

~ with files from Jordan Armstrong